HOW TO HANDLE YOUR RELATIONSHIP IF YOU GET LAID OFF

FIVE TIPS FOR HANDLING YOUR RELATIONSHIP IF YOU GET FIRED:

#1.) DON'T MOPE. Losing your job can be devastating, and it's fine to be upset for a few days. But eventually you need to start looking for a new job instead of wallowing around your apartment in your sweatpants.

--So get your act together as quickly as possible. If, after a couple of weeks, you still feel like you need to talk to somebody about your situation, talk to a friend or family member. That way, whoever you're with in a relationship won't have to hear you complaining every day.

#2.) KEEP TO A SCHEDULE. Just because you aren't going in to the office anymore, that doesn't mean you should act like you're on vacation. If you're living with someone, wake up at the same time as them, and leave the house at the same time as them.

--Just getting out of the house will keep you motivated and increase your productivity. Instead of searching job listings from home, head to a coffee shop for a few hours. Treat looking for jobs like a full-time gig and make it a top priority.

#3.) STAY BUSY IN THE AFTERNOON. Even if you looked for jobs all day, your better half isn't going to want to come home to you sprawled out on the couch watching TV. So do something outside in the afternoon. Run errands, work out, anything.

#4.) ACCEPT HELP. When you lose your job it's easy to get defensive. Even if your unemployment is the result of the economy and has nothing to do with your personal performance, it's hard not to think of getting fired as a reflection of your ability.

--As a result, you might be uptight about accepting someone's help when you look for a new job . . . especially your significant other. But you need to GET OVER IT.

--Accepting their help . . . whether they're providing you with a lead on a job, or critiquing your resume . . . will turn a potentially destructive situation into a constructive one. You'll be working together to solve a problem, instead of fighting about it.

#5.) MAKE DINNER. It's a small thing, but it's significant. Making dinner is a great way to pull your weight in a relationship while you're in between jobs.

-It shows that you're willing to put a little extra effort into the relationship when you've got some time to spare. (Ask Men)